Columns

We write to you on behalf of tens of thousands of New Mexico’s public educators to urge careful consideration of the nomination of Ms. Betsy DeVos for the position of Secretary of Education by President-elect Donald Trump.

It is our strong belief that a successful confirmation of Ms. DeVos would not be in the best interest of public education in the United States, nor in our State of New Mexico.

I decided I am going to hold onto Christmas. And I’m willing to wager I’m not the only one who feels this way.

There is just something about Christmas that is worth holding onto. I can’t help but smile at the homes that are still lit up for the holidays. It confirms for me that they are holding onto Christmas also. But why not?

According to Gallup in a poll taken in early January, Trump’s transition into the presidency had an approval rating of 44 percent, nearly 40 points lower than Barack Obama’s, which stood at 83 percent at about the same time in January 2009 during his transition into the White House.

I’m going to Santa Fe on Saturday, Jan. 21, for the Women’s March on Washington/Santa Fe. I never marched in a high school band twirling a baton or tooting a trombone. Nor did I join any protests in my younger years so this will be my first-ever march.

He was a man who made a difference, who brought about change. He is one of my heroes. He modeled his life for us to follow.

Today’s column is about a man who sacrificed his life for a cause. He lived a life filled with death threats against him, against his wife, and even against his children. Yet through it all, he advocated non-violence, led by example, and pursued a cause that would ultimately cut short his life.